Category Archives: Nature Notes

By Mary Beth Pottratz Despite the official start of summer, temperatures in the 60’s and a stiff breeze dry the leaves and keep mosquitoes away. Perfect day for the prairie! I quickly head out the mowed trail where grasses and … Continue reading →

By Sydney Chandler Choosing to cover minimal distance this week provided the opportunity to observe extraordinary variety at the Dwarf Conifers garden. The distinct scent of conifers wafts across the path, the waterfall’s din covers any rustling of needles, and … Continue reading →

By Greg Lecker Since showy lady’s slipper is blooming, I head directly to the boardwalk of Green Heron Pond.  Though some orchids can be found in the woodland, this corner of the bog is where the plants are most plentiful.  … Continue reading →

By Mary Beth Pottratz Bright sunshine, a cloudless sky and a concert of birdsong beckon me through the woods. A woodpecker repeats long riffs of its drum solo in a precise staccato, robins chortle, red-eyed vireos repeat their syllabic tunes, … Continue reading →

By Sydney Chandler Miniature leaves and petals this week resemble wrinkled clothes unpacked from tiny suitcases. Leaves unfold and deepen in color. Flower petals peel outward in synchronized formation. There is a particularly stark contrast between the new growth of … Continue reading →

By Greg Lecker Along the entry drive and within the gardens, tulip petals are soaking wet, their colors saturated with moisture.  Several inches of rain have fallen and continue to fall.   In general, plants don’t seem to mind; but the … Continue reading →

By Boak Wiesner Strangely, it was Kipling who comes to mind as I went in search of the famous and elusive Dwarf Trout Lily. I head towards where I saw them last spring, recalling “I knew his times and his … Continue reading →